Скачать или смотреть Coming Soon - The Eight Waves of Jewish Settlements in Derby: Story of Migration, Memory & Belonging

The Eight Waves: Jewish Settlements in Derby is a deeply personal and historical documentary by filmmaker Roly, inspired by the stories of his Jewish uncle Rolf, whose parents settled in Derby during World War II. Their memories of migration, survival, and rebuilding sparked Roly’s curiosity to uncover why Derby, a seemingly quiet English town, became a point of arrival for Jewish families over the centuries.

Initially begun out of personal interest, the project was paused until a chance encounter with a medieval periodical revived Roly’s research. The mention of a Jewish tinker arriving in Derby during the Middle Ages became a symbol of continuity across centuries. This rediscovery led to a collaboration with historian Catherine James, and together they unearthed a layered and often overlooked history, now framed as eight distinct “waves” of Jewish presence in Derby.

The documentary unfolds with the medieval arrival of Jews following the Norman Conquest, culminating in the 1290 expulsion from England. It then explores the silent centuries where only hints of crypto-Jewish presence linger. From the resettlement under Cromwell to the Eastern European migrations of the 19th century, each wave reflects a moment in Jewish history mirrored in the local context of Derby.

Later waves tell of refuge during the Holocaust, including the arrival of Rolf’s parents, followed by the post-war rebuilding of lives and community. By the late 20th century, Derby’s Jewish community had both integrated and evolved — with some families moving away and others maintaining traditions. Today, a renewed interest in heritage, identity, and remembrance marks the eighth wave, driven by both descendants and projects like this documentary.

Ultimately, The Eight Waves is more than a local history — it’s a universal story of displacement, endurance, and belonging. Through archival discoveries, personal connections, and historical insight, the film invites viewers to reflect on what it means to seek and build a home, and how memory can shape identity across generations.